Tag Archives: Rachel the realtor

Federal guidance from the Department of Homeland Security has included real estate in a list of essential services that are deemed critical to public health and safety, as well as economic and national security.. State and local officials, however, have been issuing guidelines that could prevent normal business operations for real estate professionals in some areas. Those local mandates should take precedence over federal guidance, experts advise.

Where real estate services are continuing—albeit in modified forms—brokerages are cautioning their agents to act responsibly and to practice safe social distancing in light of the coronavirus outbreak.

Under the issued Homeland Security guidance, “residential and commercial real services” are included on a 15-page list of essential services. These cover settlement services and government offices that conduct title searches, notaries, and mortgage and recording services, as well as construction. The advisory letter was created by the Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency.

“This list is advisory in nature,” the guidance notes. “It is not, nor should it be considered, a federal directive or standard.”

Indeed, REALTORS® should follow the guidelines set forth by their city, county, and state governments, urges Katie Johnson, general counsel and chief member experience officer for the National Association of REALTORS®. “It is imperative you adhere to the order” of your local jurisdiction, Johnson says.

“Being deemed an essential service means that you have a special responsibility and opportunity to continue operations if you choose to but not if you don’t. It means you have the special responsibility and mandate to adhere to your state’s executive order regarding ‘essential services.’ ”

REALTORS® also have a responsibility to abide by all necessary health and safety precautions mandated by your state’s executive orders that would apply to business activities such as in-person property showings or other face-to-face gatherings. “We all have a special responsibility to lead by example, to do what we think is best for our communities and ourselves, and to do what we think best for the reputation of the industry,” Johnson says.

For many first-time home buyers, 2017 was tough. It was a year in which many baby boomers stayed put in their larger homes, investors sank money into rental properties, and new construction remained slow. Together, that meant fewer affordable single-family homes especially for those in the market for the very first time.

However, the rest of 2018 is predicted to bring good news. With an increase in building permits submitted at the end of 2017, new construction is expected to increase. According to NerdWallet, the “median estimate has single-family housing starts rising about 8 percent in 2018, to roughly 912,500 new houses.” This means more homes for first-time buyers will be on the market as the year progresses.

If you’re looking for a single-family home, it’s time to talk to call me now. Start the conversation with me early in the year so you can be ready to buy when the time comes. I have information about new construction in your area and can guide you through the process to get you settled into a new home. Call, email, or text anytime!

Five Star award Winner 2011-2018 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

“I always knew if I were ever to sell my home I would have Rachel do it. Her reputation precedes her!

Rachel knows her stuff. She knows who to call and how to get it done. You have questions Rachel gets answers. Dedicated and knowledgeable. And nice!!

She stuck with it and made it all work and was there with a shoulder to cry on if needed. And after all that found a perfect new home and literally made it happen. You won’t go wrong with Rachel. She gets the job done and becomes a friend in the process.

Love ya Rachel!”

-Martha Tidwell

Thank you Martha! It was my honor to work with you. I think your pretty awesome yourself.

Five Star award recipient 2011-2018 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

Thank you Ken & Amy for the opportunity to once again be of service. Being called in to help your Parents is an honor i don’t take lightly. I really appreciate the fine testimonial. Thank you!

I have known Rachel for over 13 years, this is not the first time I have worked with her. Rachel is always very professional, attentive to detail and easy to work with… she never left any questions unanswered and always responded promptly. She works hard for her clients and deserves the highest praise.. I would highly recommend anyone seeking a truly professional realtor to connect with Rachel.

Thank you Rachel for your VERY hard work and dedication.. we truly appreciate it.

Amy Koppler

Five Star award recipient 2011- 2018 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

Thank you Rachel for taking the time to write this testimonial! i think your the best!

Rachel is nothing less than amazing. We sold our home during an emotionally difficult situation and she was immediately there to help and reassure us every step of the way. What seemed to start as a pretty cut and dry situation turned very difficult, she was patient with my weekly (probably more) melt downs, and she fought for our best interest. When dealing with people who were anything but professional she always stayed classy. I will definitely be calling Rachel the next time I need a realtor. Her years of experience and passion for people makes her the best around.

Five Star award recipient 2011- 2018 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.